The world's largest grower and packer of daffodils is based in Cornwall - and it's now an example of sustainable farming excellence.

Varfell Farms in Long Rock, Penzance was announced a LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) Demonstration Farm on Tuesday (March 28) because of its focus on regenerative farming methods.

Varfell produces 65 per cent of the world’s daffodil flowers and holds around 60 per cent of the daffodil bulbs in the world, across 200 varieties. It also grows more than a million stems of agapanthus and peonies.

Underpinned by the belief that 'what is better for nature is better for profitability', Varfell has made significant investment over the last decade improving soil and plant health and reducing erosion and runoff, as well as minimising input costs. 

A diverse rotation including cover cropping elements is carefully designed to enhance soil health, controlled traffic farming minimises soil compaction and reduced tillage to promote beneficial microbes - these are all part of the farm’s regenerative approach.

Varfell is also at the forefront of driving innovation, using the latest automation technology such as optical grades, GPS, drones, satellite imagery, radar and lidar to drive efficiencies across the business.

Simon Gardner, farms director at Varfell Farms, said: “Being a LEAF Demonstration Farm will help improve understanding of what more regenerative farming looks like in action and how all elements of a growing system work together in a holistic way to optimise not just environmental, but also social and economic sustainability.”

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As a Demonstration Farm, Varfell will act as a local and national hub for demonstration, learning and knowledge exchange. As well as hosting visits for other growers, it will offer a ‘living classroom’ for a broad range of community groups to see more integrated, climate positive practices in action. 

Technical director at LEAF, Vicky Robinson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Varfell Farms as LEAF’s first cut flower Demonstration Farm as we embark on an exciting new era and look to strengthen the breadth of sectors in the LEAF Network.

“Varfell Farms is leading the way in what can be achieved as we accelerate sustainable, regenerative farming in the cut flower industry. The work being carried out here, the commitment of everyone involved throughout the business will bring a wealth of expertise and crucial information on the role and development of Integrated Farm Management in this sector.”  

Varfell is one of the UK’s largest agri-business firms, supplying blooms and bulbs to multiple retailers including M&S, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsburys, B&Q and exporting into Europe.  As well as daffodils, the business also grows over 1 million stems of agapanthus and peonies. The farm has been LEAF Marque certified since 2012.